Something Beautiful

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something beautiful

A trio of animal pals discover the beauty in making new friends in this tender and adorable picture book from Lita Judge, the beloved author-illustrator of Red Sled and Flight School.

Mouse, Elephant, and Giraffe have so much in common. They like the same games. They eat the same snacks. They don’t need anyone else! Or do they? When the group takes a chance on opening up, they discover that meeting someone new and seeing things from a new perspective can be truly wonderful.---from the publisher

40 pages                                       978-1534485136                            Ages 4-8

Keywords:  animals, friends, new experiences, friendship, 4 year old, 5 year old, 6 year old, 7 year old, 8 year old

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“Everything is beautiful in its own way”

– Ray Stevens (1970)

“ ‘Cause your friends are my friends and my friends are your friends

The more we get together the happier we’ll be”

– Raffi (1976)

Ever since the publication of RED SLED, more than a decade ago, I’ve been in love with Lita Judge’s comically expressive animal characters. SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL, Ms. Judge’s upcoming picture book guide to making new friends, is her best work yet.

“Mouse, Elephant, and Giraffe had so much in common. They liked the same games.

‘Eight, nine, ten – ready or not, here I come’

They ate the same snacks. They needed no one else.

But then Porcupine said, ‘Hi!’

At first, Mouse, Elephant, and Giraffe weren’t sure about someone new.

After all, he wasn’t good at their games, and he ate strange snacks. But they never knew that they loved to climb trees until Porcupine taught them how.”

It’s worth reading SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL just to see the expressions on the birds who discover Mouse, Elephant, Giraffe, and Porcupine perched up in their treetop.

After meeting up with Porcupine, the growing crew of friends crosses paths with Warthog and then Lion. As with Porcupine, incorporating more new friends–no matter how different they look and act–results in new perspectives, new ideas, new fun, and new magic.

SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL will be a popular circle time read that begs to be reread. It promotes inclusivity rather than exclusivity, and encourages making friends with the new kid. These are simple schoolyard lessons that can directly lead to broadening perspectives and more tolerance and peace in the world. That’s why I am so appreciative of this hoot of a tale.

Recommended by:  Richie Partington, MLIS, California USA

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